Page 8 of To Dare a Duke

“Well, I’m flattered,” Charles said, folding his arms and regarding Robert with affection. “So, what is it that’s so delicate you felt obliged to see me in person?”

Robert drew in a breath, suddenly reluctant to say it aloud but… well, there was no escaping it.

“I intend to marry.”

For a moment his uncle stared at him in surprise, and then he let out a breath and smiled. “I’m so happy to hear that. I’d heard the rumours of late, of course, but I must admit, I had feared…. But never mind that,” he added, brushing past whatever he might have said. “How delightful! We must celebrate.”

He got up and bustled over to the decanter, pouring them both a generous measure.

“Now then, young man,” he said, beaming at Robert as he handed him a glass. “Who’s the lucky lady?”

Robert cleared his throat, a little uncomfortable as he returned a rueful smile. “I… er, I don’t actually know yet. I was rather hoping you’d help me choose someone.”

Charles gaped at him, the glass suspended halfway to his mouth.

“Look,” Robert said, deciding he’d best be blunt. “There’s little point in denying I made a bloody mess of it first time around, and we all paid the price for it. I didn’t listen to you, or Father, or… or anybody,” he said, wishing the heat of humiliation would die away as time passed, and feeling certain it never would.

“You were in love,” Charles said, giving him a sad smile.

Robert gave a snort of disgust. “That’s one word for it,” he said darkly. “In any case, I have no intention of making the same mistake twice. I need a duchess, a sensible young woman with no romantic notions about our union. I need an heir. Further than that, she will be free to live her own life. All I want is someone who will stay out of the spotlight, someone who would enjoy a quiet life in the countryside with any children we might have. A woman who does not long for excitement and notoriety, or society on a grand scale. I will keep our name from being dragged through the mud this time, Uncle.”

He watched as his uncle frowned and stared down into his drink, swirling the amber liquid about the glass.

“Well?” Robert prompted as the man showed no signs of responding. “It’s not so much to ask, is it? I’m not asking for a beauty, in fact I’d be very pleased if she wasn’t. Just an ordinary young woman of good breeding who would be willing to be my wife, and mother to the future duke, without causing a scandal every time she set foot outside the house.”

Charles chewed on his lip, his expression thoughtful and Robert sat forward in his chair.

“You have someone in mind?”

“Perhaps,” his uncle admitted, though his expression was serious. “In truth, I think….” He turned and looked at Robert, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yes. I think she would suit you admirably.”

“Oh?” Robert queried. Something in his uncle’s tone unnerved him a little. “You’re sure?”

Charles smiled then and gave a decisive nod. “I think she’s perfect,” he said, sounding so certain that Robert felt a weight fall from his shoulders.

“Excellent. Is she local? Can we call on her tomorrow? I’d prefer to get things wrapped up as soon as possible.”

Charles stared at him aghast. “Good lord, you can’t expect to meet her one day and propose the next?”

Robert shrugged. He’d expected to meet her and propose at as quickly as was decent, if not sooner. What did it matter? He just needed it over and done with.

“No, no,” his uncle said, his expression disapproving. “Besides, it’s not that easy.”

“Why ever not?” Robert asked. Charles sighed and raised one eyebrow.

“For starters, duke or no, your reputation would give any sensible girl pause.”

Robert flushed, unable to deny that. Any sensible girl would run a mile in the opposite direction. “I know that,” he said, terse. “Which is why I came to you. I thought, if you knew the girl, if she trusted your opinion you could… speak to her. Explain.”

“Well, of course, I’ll speak to her,” Charles replied, impatient now. “If I gave her the truth of your character, I think she’ll believe me, even though it’s my word against years of rumour and speculation, but I don’t believe that’s the biggest issue.”

“Well, what is?” Robert demanded, feeling a little prickly now. By God, he knew he was not offering a love affair, or anything in the least romantic, but he was a duke for heaven’s sake, surely that counted for something?

“Only that the girl has professed a desire to never marry at all. She intends to keep her independence and has no intention of being any man’s chattel.”

Robert blinked. “What?”

“She does not want to be yours or any man’s property, Robert.”